Northwest Family.

Mission Accomplished, Veterans Group Disbands

Band Shell A Salute To Those Who Served

MT. PROSPECT — Robert McKillop, a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, has a comforting feeling knowing that a war memorial is close to his home in Mt. Prospect.

It wasn't always that way.

"We had nothing to honor those people who had served in the military," said McKillop, a pilot during both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

McKillop and a small group of veterans formed the Veterans Memorial Foundation about five years ago to raise money for a memorial. With the support of the Mt. Prospect Park District, the foundation was assured space for its project.

After reviewing several ideas, foundation members decided on a "living" memorial that could be used by anyone in the community.

Members agreed on a band shell at Lions Memorial Park, 411 S. Maple St.

The foundation raised just over $350,000, almost half of it through the sale of commemorative stones placed at the rear of the building.

The 258 stones, of different sizes and priced from $250 to $5,000, raised $151,380.

"As you walk around the building, you can read all of the names of people who contributed," McKillop said.

The foundation received a $150,000 grant from the Illinois Department of Veterans' Affairs; another $50,000 was raised through individual gifts and interest on investments.

The band shell opened in May, and the foundation decided three weeks ago that its mission was completed and voted to disband.

The Mt. Prospect Park District will maintain the band shell. Also expected is another site next to the shell where more commemorative stones will be added.